The Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on Thursday denied bail to Lungelo Samkelo Nkosi (26), who is facing three counts of murder and attempted murder.

Nkosi is also alleged to have been the driver of a vehicle used by three hitmen who are wanted by police for murdering three people.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana says on May 15, the three victims were travelling in a blue Toyota Tazz on Mngomezulu Street in Atteridgeville, on the outskirts of Pretoria, when a vehicle, allegedly driven Nkosi, blocked their path.

She says three men stepped out of the vehicle and opened fire at the Tazz.

Two passengers died on the scene and one on his way to hospital, she adds.

The accused was arrested the same day when he opened a false hijacking case at the police station.

“He was recognised by the driver of the Tazz, who was also at the police station to report the incident,” says Mahanjana.

In his affidavit, Nkosi denied committing the offence and stated his intention to plead not guilty.

He also claimed to be a taxi driver and asked the court to release him on bail so that he could continue providing for his family and 11-month-old baby.

However, the prosecutor, Rhulani Maluleke, opposed his release on bail and argued that Nkosi misled the court about his involvement in the matter.

Maluleke added that the state had a strong case against him.

Mahanjana says the magistrate denied Nkosi bail and found that he was dishonest with the court.

The matter has been postponed until Tuesday, in the regional court.